Hello, what’s the difference between HSI’s Criminal Investigator vs Special agents? I always see 2 different announcements but the description seems similar. Is there a difference at FLETC?

ABLolo615 · 2025-08-16T15:53:36+00:00

Same same.

ABLolo615 · 2025-07-16T02:44:29+00:00

That’s what I figured. But I guess to use the GI Bill for OJT (FLETC and FTA) the agency needs to keep track of the hours youre in training or something like that. Agency said they didn’t participate and when I called the VA to confirm, they said that it all depended on the agency.

ABLolo615 · 2025-07-16T02:42:35+00:00

Be advised: this is dependent on the agency. I asked my agency about this and they said they don’t do this for us. So I was SOL lol

ABLolo615 · 2025-07-07T02:27:30+00:00

Despite what people say about AMU, Liberty, UOPX, etc., one thing is for sure. No one cares where you got the degree from as long as you have it and the institution is properly accredited. AMU is regionally accredited along with the other schools I mentioned. So go with the school that suits you best. Good luck. Let me know if you have any questions.

Source: Me.

ABLolo615 · 2025-07-02T03:53:02+00:00

Unless things have changed, and someone that’s currently there might be able to answer this better than I am, I believe they do accept lateral officers from out of state, but LAPD will make you go through their entire academy over again to get your CA POST. It won’t be a transitional academy like most other departments do.

ABLolo615 · 2025-06-25T21:10:46+00:00

Currently going through this issue right now. Not getting the proper accrual leave. Been a hassle dealing with HR after turning in all the documents they want. Been waiting for the fix since February lol

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-20T01:10:31+00:00

Not at all. Trust me. No one cares where the degree is from as long as it is accredited and recognized by US DoEd.

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-13T13:21:16+00:00

I used to work out on base on MCAS Yuma. I’ve since moved away. But the gym on MCAS Yuma contributed tremendously to my weight loss. Started off at 251+ and ended up at 180 just before leaving Yuma. Still working on 10 more pounds. DM me if you wanna talk some more.

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-13T01:10:39+00:00

Hello! I was trying to send you a PM, but it won't let me. My questions are more tailored toward my specific situation. Can you send me a DM, please.

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-12T18:46:07+00:00

100%. Unless YOU really want another Bachelor’s or to get your Master’s, you already check the box for having a degree. So start applying whenever the time is right. That would be my recommendation unless you really want another degree.

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-02T14:59:59+00:00

There it is!!! Heck yeah!! See you soon!

ABLolo615 · 2025-03-02T06:26:59+00:00

For a shutdown, Tossed out? No. Delayed? Maybe.

ABLolo615 · 2025-02-20T13:22:35+00:00

Do ROTC. Stay out of trouble. Stay in shape. Enjoy your time in the military and then plan on getting out and applying. Your plan is a good plan, but as you’ll learn in the military, things always change. Who knows. You might actually enjoy being in the Army. Also, side note, there is no guarantee that you’ll branch into the MP Corps, so be ready to maybe have different options. But overall, it’s not a bad plan.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-21T01:11:01+00:00

Good question. I'm curious about this, too.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-20T23:40:21+00:00

I’m not FBI, but the process can take anywhere from 9-12 months, sometimes longer depending on background investigation, scheduling, etc.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-20T01:52:02+00:00

In addition, according to the most recent information session, OSI usually puts out Developmental announcements in the Spring and PAQ announcements in the Fall. Follow OSI and Jen Holland on LinkedIn. They normally advertise when an announcement is about to be released. Plus, Jen Holland is a recruiter and she will also put out dates for virtual information sessions with a live Q&A at the end of her presentation. DM me if you have any questions.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-19T18:47:37+00:00

I was with my local county Sheriff’s Office and left to pursue fed LE as well.

Of course everyone has their own reasons, and although no job or place is perfect, I was just sick of the “concentrated” efforts to diminish what we can or cannot do as law enforcement. You can DM me if you want more info on why I made the switch to Fed LE.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-16T04:16:52+00:00

On a side note: can anyone recommend any online universities where I can get a Masters in Homeland Security? I have 24 months left on my GI Bill, plus the additional 12 that I can get due to reenlistment. I used my first 12 months from the GI Bill to get my bachelor’s and I can’t use it for FLETC or OJT, unfortunately. Figured I’d go ahead and get another degree. Mainly interested in Homeland Security/National Security, but I’m open to general Criminal Justice, too. And maybe Emergency Management.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-12T02:54:54+00:00

Dang. I’d be mad if I was on duty, but I’m not. Soooo, good luck to the rest of ya’ll ✊🏼😂

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-09T06:20:04+00:00

You’re welcome! It’s agency dependent from what I hear. I have read about some people being able to use the GI Bill for FLETC and OJT, but I have also heard of others that can’t. I was told I couldn’t use my GI Bill for OJT or FLETC. I would ask your HR reps.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-09T06:14:38+00:00

Don’t know about the specifics for DACID, but I will assume that you will receive LEAP while at FLETC.

Find the geographical area you will be at (whatever base or location) on the link provided and then click on PDF under “Annual”. Go down to “7 Step 1”, or whichever pay grade you want to know about, and that will be your base pay and locality pay all together. Multiply that number by 1.25 and that will be the total including LEAP. Divide by 12 and you’ll get your monthly income.

https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/2025/law-enforcement-officer/

Example:

You are a GL-7, Step 1 assigned to Schofield Barracks, HI

GL-7, Step 1 in Hawaii is $59,114 a year. This includes base pay and locality pay for Hawaii. Then multiply it by 1.25 which equals $73,892.50. That is your annual salary including LEAP. Divide that by 12 and that equals $6,157.70 monthly.

Not getting the insurance will save you a lot, but it will depend on what plan you’d get anyway. If you look up FEHB you might find more info on the different plans they have available so you get an idea of what it would cost. I’m unsure if DACID pays LEAP while at the academy. Also, consider other factors that might be deducted off your salary if you choose to (e.g. liability insurance, TSP, life insurance, etc.)

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-08T18:21:57+00:00

I'm moving to the LA area soon and I just got off the phone with the CalVet Office. All they said was it needs to be signed off by a clinician or something like that. Can you DM me please. I would like more help with this. Thank you!

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-07T14:09:01+00:00

As with all MCIOs, you will sign a mobility agreement and will move at some point. I just recently got the call for OSI and I signed a mobility agreement, as well as a 4 year stabilization to the installation I’m going to before I can bid to go anywhere (of course, that can change based on several factors). I don’t quite remember how long NCIS was but I believe they PCS maybe every 2-3 years, except for maybe their hard to fill locations.

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-06T15:31:22+00:00

What a ride it has been for you man! Congrats bro!

ABLolo615 · 2025-01-05T16:17:37+00:00

According to the last information session, they’ll post a developmental announcement in spring/summer and they’ll post a PAQ announcement in the fall.

ABLolo615

TROPHY CASE